Live and learn as you study abroad

A depreciating rupee isn’t your biggest challenge, if you want to study abroad. It’s what you learn outside the University that is the real deal

| Mumbai Mirror | Oct 3, 2012, 12.00 AM IST

Ashita Gurnani packs her bags for her second stint in the US, this time as a doctorate student at the University of Colorado

A depreciating rupee isn't your biggest challenge, if you want to study abroad. It's what you learn outside the University that is the real deal

The past few days wouldn't have brought a smile to your face, if you're looking to study overseas — a depreciating rupee, stricter visa norms, and stringent immigration and work policies have led to a 20 per cent drop in enrolments in US, UK and Australian universities from January to June 2012, as compared to last year. Yet, these aren't insurmountable problems.

Bandra-resident Ashita Gurnani would know. The 24-year-old, who left for the States in 2006 to study neuroscience at the College of Wooster, Ohio, found herself faced with other, more pressing issues.

"There's a lot more to university education than what's taught in the classroom. For many of us, it's about leaving home for the first time, meeting new people and establishing ourselves as individuals," says Gurnani, who returned earlier this year in June, after working at the New York University Langone Medical Centre as a research coordinator for two years.

In hindsight, the experience was an education in itself, feels Gurnani, who is ready for her second innings, this time to pursue a doctorate in clinical neuropsychology at the University of Colorado. Mirror gets her to give first-timers a lowdown.

You are not alone To begin with, Gurnani says, don't get daunted by the task at hand, whether it is scouting for scholarships, getting acclimatised to a new culture or coming to terms with a different educational system. "You need to be patient, and keep motivating yourself. The one thing I've learnt is that you will meet others in a similar situation," she says.

Most Indian students have a pampered upbringing and tend to feel lonely in the first six months in a foreign university. "If you are looking to go abroad, acknowledge that you have given up a sheltered life for an opportunity, which only a few receive. There's no point sitting alone in the room and moping," says Gurnani. "You have to go out and meet people. Attend the orientation meetings. That's where you'll meet most of your batch-mates."

Gurnani also has a word of advice for parents. Moms and pops need to be supportive as their children feel homesick. Clinical psychologist and trauma expert Seema Hingorrany agrees. "Parents must understand that it takes time for anyone to get used to a new place. Hopping on to the next flight to mollycoddle your child isn't an option. Instead, encourage them to partake in different activities and keep themselves busy. It's best not to burden the child with expectations. Ask them to see their college counsellor if they wish to talk. There is no shame in that."

If you're troubled, seek help Gurnani points out that most universities have support groups to help students cope with homesickness and emotional disturbance. There's a term for it — 'freshmen 15'. It's a well documented phenomenon, where new students are seen to put on 10 to 15 pounds during their first year at university due to stress-related eating. Compulsive shopping is a common problem, too. "Here, parents need to step in and talk to their child, rather than pump money into their bank accounts to provide them immediate gratification," says Hingoranny.

The other problem that new kids on the block face is losing sight of the main reason they're there — to earn a degree. "You will meet all kinds of people, but you need to take a call on what you want to do. You have to learn to say no. Doing so makes others realise that you value your time and are ready to take tough judgement calls. And they will respect that," explains Gurnani.

Stick to your time table Time, is another crucial area to focus on. Foreign universities are particular about class timings. Entering class late or miss deadlines isn't accepted. Gurnani says, "Unlike schools here, there are meetings with different tutors at different timings. You may have to work on a group project. So maintain a calendar and mark your appointments. It always helps to write things down. Support groups also help you manage your time, if you approach them."

Finally, don't let money, or the lack of it, hinder your dreams. Gurnani went for her undergraduate studies on a 75 per cent scholarship and pulled through the rest of her academic calendar using various endowment funds. "You have to be more involved as a student, and aim to excel in both, studies and extracurricular activities. As an international student, it is harder to get summer jobs and internships, so be prepared to do more than what an average American student does," she says.

Pushing yourself to move out of your comfort zone has tremendous benefits. You get to meet people from diverse cultural backgrounds. "My closest friend in my undergraduate programme was a Congolese girl. Over the years, my perceptions have changed. It's an experience I will carry with me," says Gurnani.

- Keep in regular contact with your personal academic tutor/supervisor at your place of study and let him or her know about any problems you may have that affect your studies.

- Punctuality and attendance are particularly important. Absence without a valid reason, like an illness, will be looked upon very seriously and may be reported to the UK Border Agency.

- You should let your place of study know of any doubts you have about the relevance or level of your course of study before you depart for the UK. It is extremely difficult to make changes to your course, course level or extensions to the agreed period of study after your arrival, as the UK Border Agency sometimes does not permit them.

- The UK has a temperate climate, with few extremes. However, the weather there is famously changeable. So be prepared. It can be quite wet and cold in the winter, (roughly November to March). Don't leave without a warm topcoat, hat, scarf, gloves and an umbrella.

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